Ok just got through replacing the thermostat. Good thing I did as i was probably on it's last legs anyways but, it wasn't a problem. The next step is to replace the " thermosensor " and Head Gasket. And now the questions

Are these home jobs?

Even if they are am I better off going to the mechanics?

Is an oil and coolant change a must?

If so before or after the replacements?

All/most of the piping will be replaced at the same time along with probably a fan so a mechanics " warranty " would be nice.

Whoa - back the truck up.......

You said in your other post that you've just change the Thermostat and that wasn't the problem. You're now going to play with the thermosensor and head gasket.......

What are the actual symptoms of your problem?

It sounds like you're using the shotgun approach (changing things at random) to solve a particular problem. If you give us some more details we might be able to point you in the right direction and save you a whole heap of $ and hassles.

I just changed the thermostat in my car last weekend - because it was stuck open and the car was taking forever to warm up. A thermostat either works or alternately sticks open or sticks closed. If it sticks open the car will take a long time to warm up. If it sticks closed it will overheat. Presumably your car was overheating? And now that the Thermostat is replaced you're looking elsewhere to find the cause?

The head gasket is a major job best only tackled if you are very confident with mechanicals. You might find you need to get your head machined or other work done once you have the head off. Unless you are an expert in diagnosing problems like a warped head, cracked head, etc I think it's best left to a mechanic. Anyway, before you get to doing that, let us know what's happening and we might be able to avoid major work.

Cheers,

Pete

head gaskets arnt matenence, they are only replaced when broken.

what exactly is the problem here? the sensor should be pretty simple to replace.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24650

This was my previous thred, but after going through the search function I was able to identify with a few more problems to narrow it down to the items in this thred. The exhaust blows blueish smoke and has water at the tip. The oil in the sump is watery.

Gaskets = $145 - Repco

Thermosensor = $57 - repco

So it's not all that expensive

yeah go for it then, its not THAT hard to do, just make sure you have plenty of workspace and keep it all clean.

change oil after u finnish, keep head bolts in order, triple check cam timing, double check dissy timing and just make sure you have plenty of patience and a good book to follow.

3L is hard to do but still it just take time more than anything.

Ok just got through replacing the thermostat. Good thing I did as i was probably on it's last legs anyways but, it wasn't a problem. The next step is to replace the " thermosensor " and Head Gasket. And now the questions

Are these home jobs?

Even if they are am I better off going to the mechanics?

Is an oil and coolant change a must?

If so before or after the replacements?

All/most of the piping will be replaced at the same time along with probably a fan so a mechanics " warranty " would be nice.
I am sorry but if you are asking these questions I dont think you have enough experience to do this on your own.I have done a number of head gaskets on older cars before.I would suggest visiting a mechanic and getting a quote.Not having a go at you but there is alot more involved than the things you have mentioned. :D

I am sorry but if you are asking these questions I dont think you have enough experience to do this on your own.I have done a number of head gaskets on older cars before.I would suggest visiting a mechanic and getting a quote.Not having a go at you but there is alot more involved than the things you have mentioned. :D

Nah that's cool, i'll admit I know next to nothing in this field of mechanics. I only ask because in theory it sounds alot easier ( i've been doing some reading up ). So a trip to the mechanics has been jotted on my calander for next week.

Ahhhh, if I'd read that to start with It would have been better.

You didn't need to replace the thermostat. The thermostat doesn't tell the fans to come on or off. The thermosensor might be stuffed and therefore never sends the info to the fans (or computer to turn the fans on).

The water in the sump isn't a good sign. Usually head gasket but could also be a crack in the head or other problem too.

Blueish smoke from the exhaust means it's burning oil - either your valve seals are gone or your piston rings are worn out.

Water at the tip could just be condensation and may not be anything to worry about in itself. Given you have water in you sump though I'd say you have a serious problem.

The gasket might be $145 from Repco but there are so many other things that could also need doing. Once the heads off, you might as well do valve seals etc. If it's your piston rings that are gone, then you either live with the blue smoke or overhaul the engine.

You will need to do both head gaskets. You will need to check whether the heads are warped and need machining. If your car has overheated before than there is a good chance that this will be the case. You will need to know what to look for to find cracks in the head. To cut a long story short - unless you are a very competent back yard mechanic, I'd be leaving the head gasket replacement to the experts.

To answer your earlier question regarding oil and coolant change - yes you will definitely need to do both - after you've got everything back together.

You will also need inlet and exhaust manifold gaskets and possibly rocker cover gaskets also. You'll need a new oil filter. You will probably need to buy some specific tools or at least a torque wrench if you don't have one. While you have the heads off, you are probably best replacing the timing belt as well. While you're at it, do the water pump. Pulling the heads off is major work. You should do as many things as you can while you have them off. You don't want to have to do it again unless you have to.

The best bet would be to get hold of a Haynes Workshop Manual for around the $40 to $50 mark. Have a look through that and you'll get an idea of how complex this whole job could be. Then if you do decide to tackle it, you'll have all the info you could need.

I'm not a qualified mechanic but in my earlier years I used to regularly pull engines apart and spent some time doing the service job on a mates rally car during rallies. I've had a fair amount of exposure to this sort of thing and even I would be hesitant at tackling head gaskets and all the possible things that might be found once you've got the heads off.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Pete

Sorry - took me that long to reply that you've already made up your mind to see Mr Mechanic anyway.

Best of luck.

Pete

The more i learn the scarier it all becomes. I'm pretty good at fixing thing but i'm a f%#k load better at breaking them lol. I'll be calling repco tomorrow with a full list of items to get prices, can't wait.. :gtfo: lol. wish me luck.

maybe not this job just yet then, but then again unless you do it you will never learn, jumping in and doing it is how i learnt everything i know

Yeah - it's a great way to learn. If you're keen just get into it. However, be prepared to have to car off the road for at least a few days while it's all getting sorted out.

Good luck and have fun.

:cool: